2022 MiOTA Annual Conference

Background: Concussion, more accurately called mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI), is the result of blunt trauma to the skull or sudden acceleration or deceleration forces causing impact on the brain (CDC, 2015). Most recover in 10-14 days while 30% are diagnosed with post-concussion syndrome (PPCS) and experience a decrease in their quality of life and occupational performance (CDC, 2015; Mercier et al., 2020). The goal of this project is to determine if the topic of PPCS is being taught in entry-level Occupational Therapy (OT) programs.
Method: This study utilizes a self-developed survey. Contacts were generated from the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education website. On May 13, 2022, contacts were emailed an invitation to complete the survey and forward the email invitation to others meeting the inclusion criteria. The survey closed on June 24, 2022.
Results: Of the 25 individuals who completed the survey, 36% (n=9) indicated that PPCS is being taught in their program, while 52% (n=13) said it was not being taught, and 12% (n=3) answered unknown. Of the nine respondents to indicate PPCS is taught in their program, five individuals indicated they are the professor that teaches PPCS content while four respondents are not. Descriptive statistics were then analyzed on characteristics associated with the participant’s perspective programs. 
Conclusion: PPCS is not being explicitly taught in a majority of entry-level occupational therapy programs in the United States.